THE destruction of a sign honouring war heroes buried at Radnor Street Cemetery has been branded as despicable vandalism by Swindon Armed Forces groups.

The sign, at the Clifton Street entrance to the site, is one of three at the cemetery, put up in April, to commemorate the 104 Common-wealth war graves at the cemetery.

It was found broken in half on Wednesday evening.

The signs were put up at 3,000 sites across the country to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

Swindon Royal British Legion chairman Alan Baker said the vandalism has left a particularly bitter taste given that this week marked the 100-year anniversary of Britain entering the conflict.

“It is absolutely despicable. As a branch we feel awful about this as those people buried there gave a great sacrifice in the name of freedom and all they get in return is despicable vandalism,” he said.

“This could not have come at a worse time when we are respectfully commemorating the centenary of the First World War.”

In May, the two other signs at the cemetery were vandalised and had to be replaced by the CWGC. The Adver has reported this latest incident to the group.

CWGC’s west of England regional supervisor Andy Knowlson said: “It is such a shame that it has happened again. I will make sure the sign is replaced as soon as possible, more than likely be early next week.

“We believe that it is only this one sign that has been damaged but when my team go to replace it they’ll make sure the others are fine.

“To my knowledge Swindon is the only place in the country where the signs have suffered damage. We may have to consider putting up a heavier and stronger sign to stop this happening again.

“It is very unfortunate that people seem to get enjoyment from breaking these signs.”

To mark the First World War centenary community group, Swindon In The Great War, has organised events for the public to pay their respects to the servicemen who fought in the conflict.

Historian Mike Pringle, who is a member of the group, said: “It seems that there is somebody out there who has an issue with commemorating the Great War. I feel very sad that this has happened.”

Fellow group member Mark Sutton, regularly gives tours of the Radnor Street Cemetery’s commonwealth war graves.

He said: “Swindon often gets a bad name rather than a good one. Unfortunately, this is another incident to add to the list.

“I’m not sure whether it is vandalism or carelessness as this latest damage might have been caused by people using the sign to climb over the gate when the cemetery is locked.

“Either way, it is a horrible thing.”

Comments (13)

These signs are unfortunately placed in a position that makes them a convenient foot-hold for anyone trying to get in or out of the cemetery once the gates are locked. You can tell that by the picture, the top is damaged.

The sort of idiots that loiter in the cemetery smoking weed probably have no intention of deliberately damaging the signs, they probably can't even read them.

The signs need to be placed in a lower or much higher position.

These signs are unfortunately placed in a position that makes them a convenient foot-hold for anyone trying to get in or out of the cemetery once the gates are locked. You can tell that by the picture, the top is damaged.
The sort of idiots that loiter in the cemetery smoking weed probably have no intention of deliberately damaging the signs, they probably can't even read them.
The signs need to be placed in a lower or much higher position.semitonic

semitonic wrote:
These signs are unfortunately placed in a position that makes them a convenient foot-hold for anyone trying to get in or out of the cemetery once the gates are locked. You can tell that by the picture, the top is damaged.

The sort of idiots that loiter in the cemetery smoking weed probably have no intention of deliberately damaging the signs, they probably can't even read them.

The signs need to be placed in a lower or much higher position.

I agree 100%.

[quote][p][bold]semitonic[/bold] wrote:
These signs are unfortunately placed in a position that makes them a convenient foot-hold for anyone trying to get in or out of the cemetery once the gates are locked. You can tell that by the picture, the top is damaged.
The sort of idiots that loiter in the cemetery smoking weed probably have no intention of deliberately damaging the signs, they probably can't even read them.
The signs need to be placed in a lower or much higher position.[/p][/quote]I agree 100%.umpcah

semitonic wrote:
These signs are unfortunately placed in a position that makes them a convenient foot-hold for anyone trying to get in or out of the cemetery once the gates are locked. You can tell that by the picture, the top is damaged.

The sort of idiots that loiter in the cemetery smoking weed probably have no intention of deliberately damaging the signs, they probably can't even read them.

The signs need to be placed in a lower or much higher position.

Or we need to make more of an effort to educate people in the 3 "R"s (Respect, Responsibility and Reality) so this doesn't happen in the first place?

[quote][p][bold]semitonic[/bold] wrote:
These signs are unfortunately placed in a position that makes them a convenient foot-hold for anyone trying to get in or out of the cemetery once the gates are locked. You can tell that by the picture, the top is damaged.
The sort of idiots that loiter in the cemetery smoking weed probably have no intention of deliberately damaging the signs, they probably can't even read them.
The signs need to be placed in a lower or much higher position.[/p][/quote]Or we need to make more of an effort to educate people in the 3 "R"s (Respect, Responsibility and Reality) so this doesn't happen in the first place?house on the hill

Back in the 50's these scumbags would most likely be doing their National Service or awaiting to be called up, what a pity there is not some similar compulsory thing in place that the youth of today have to attend.
A few old time RSMs and some pack drill would sort the darling little beings out, they'd be too exhausted to contemplate smoking weed or damaging property.

Back in the 50's these scumbags would most likely be doing their National Service or awaiting to be called up, what a pity there is not some similar compulsory thing in place that the youth of today have to attend.
A few old time RSMs and some pack drill would sort the darling little beings out, they'd be too exhausted to contemplate smoking weed or damaging property.The Witch

The problem is the utter lack of respect - yes it is only a sign but what decent person would deliberately break, or as has been suggested use it as a step to climb the gates into the cemetery?

Sadly these type of petty acts, whether deliberate or a by-product of thoughtlessness are symptomatic of a society that shows less and less respect for its environment.

I feel the solution might be to put a new sign up, perhaps in a better position, and for the constabulary to busy themselves visiting the cemetery late one night and apprehending weed smokers/whatever to put a stop to the issues raised.

[quote][p][bold]Davey Gravey[/bold] wrote:
Don't see what the problem is. It's only a sign.[/p][/quote]The problem is the utter lack of respect - yes it is only a sign but what decent person would deliberately break, or as has been suggested use it as a step to climb the gates into the cemetery?
Sadly these type of petty acts, whether deliberate or a by-product of thoughtlessness are symptomatic of a society that shows less and less respect for its environment.
I feel the solution might be to put a new sign up, perhaps in a better position, and for the constabulary to busy themselves visiting the cemetery late one night and apprehending weed smokers/whatever to put a stop to the issues raised.Isthisthebestswindon cando

The problem is the utter lack of respect - yes it is only a sign but what decent person would deliberately break, or as has been suggested use it as a step to climb the gates into the cemetery?

Sadly these type of petty acts, whether deliberate or a by-product of thoughtlessness are symptomatic of a society that shows less and less respect for its environment.

I feel the solution might be to put a new sign up, perhaps in a better position, and for the constabulary to busy themselves visiting the cemetery late one night and apprehending weed smokers/whatever to put a stop to the issues raised.

I agree. I suspect the comment you quoted was made by sandor clegane who has hacked my account.

[quote][p][bold]Isthisthebestswindon cando[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Davey Gravey[/bold] wrote:
Don't see what the problem is. It's only a sign.[/p][/quote]The problem is the utter lack of respect - yes it is only a sign but what decent person would deliberately break, or as has been suggested use it as a step to climb the gates into the cemetery?
Sadly these type of petty acts, whether deliberate or a by-product of thoughtlessness are symptomatic of a society that shows less and less respect for its environment.
I feel the solution might be to put a new sign up, perhaps in a better position, and for the constabulary to busy themselves visiting the cemetery late one night and apprehending weed smokers/whatever to put a stop to the issues raised.[/p][/quote]I agree. I suspect the comment you quoted was made by sandor clegane who has hacked my account.Davey Gravey

The problem is the utter lack of respect - yes it is only a sign but what decent person would deliberately break, or as has been suggested use it as a step to climb the gates into the cemetery?

Sadly these type of petty acts, whether deliberate or a by-product of thoughtlessness are symptomatic of a society that shows less and less respect for its environment.

I feel the solution might be to put a new sign up, perhaps in a better position, and for the constabulary to busy themselves visiting the cemetery late one night and apprehending weed smokers/whatever to put a stop to the issues raised.

These signs are made of flimsy plastic, quite unsuitable for permanent outdoor installation. There is a reason street and road signs are made of metal.

The one on Radnor street was placed chest high on the lowest part of the fence, exactly where someone will climb over. This cemetery is a popular shortcut, especially among people who are heavily refreshed. A drunk scrambling over a gate in the dark is unlikely to notice that the sign they are about to stand on is plastic.

[quote][p][bold]Isthisthebestswindon cando[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Davey Gravey[/bold] wrote:
Don't see what the problem is. It's only a sign.[/p][/quote]The problem is the utter lack of respect - yes it is only a sign but what decent person would deliberately break, or as has been suggested use it as a step to climb the gates into the cemetery?
Sadly these type of petty acts, whether deliberate or a by-product of thoughtlessness are symptomatic of a society that shows less and less respect for its environment.
I feel the solution might be to put a new sign up, perhaps in a better position, and for the constabulary to busy themselves visiting the cemetery late one night and apprehending weed smokers/whatever to put a stop to the issues raised.[/p][/quote]These signs are made of flimsy plastic, quite unsuitable for permanent outdoor installation. There is a reason street and road signs are made of metal.
The one on Radnor street was placed chest high on the lowest part of the fence, exactly where someone will climb over. This cemetery is a popular shortcut, especially among people who are heavily refreshed. A drunk scrambling over a gate in the dark is unlikely to notice that the sign they are about to stand on is plastic.Andy__

Davey Gravey wrote:
Don't see what the problem is. It's only a sign.
The problem is the utter lack of respect - yes it is only a sign but what decent person would deliberately break, or as has been suggested use it as a step to climb the gates into the cemetery?

Sadly these type of petty acts, whether deliberate or a by-product of thoughtlessness are symptomatic of a society that shows less and less respect for its environment.

I feel the solution might be to put a new sign up, perhaps in a better position, and for the constabulary to busy themselves visiting the cemetery late one night and apprehending weed smokers/whatever to put a stop to the issues raised.These signs are made of flimsy plastic, quite unsuitable for permanent outdoor installation. There is a reason street and road signs are made of metal.

The one on Radnor street was placed chest high on the lowest part of the fence, exactly where someone will climb over. This cemetery is a popular shortcut, especially among people who are heavily refreshed. A drunk scrambling over a gate in the dark is unlikely to notice that the sign they are about to stand on is plastic.

A drunk, sorry, a heavily refreshed person (why not call it as it is) would probably be unlikely to scale the fence.

So, using your argument/pretext, to relieve themselves over headstones and throw up over someone's grave is acceptable?

You can make excuses if you like, but it is straight vandalism, be it accidental or otherwise.

so if it's

Andy__ says...
Isthisthebestswindon cando wrote:
Davey Gravey wrote:
Don't see what the problem is. It's only a sign.
The problem is the utter lack of respect - yes it is only a sign but what decent person would deliberately break, or as has been suggested use it as a step to climb the gates into the cemetery?
Sadly these type of petty acts, whether deliberate or a by-product of thoughtlessness are symptomatic of a society that shows less and less respect for its environment.
I feel the solution might be to put a new sign up, perhaps in a better position, and for the constabulary to busy themselves visiting the cemetery late one night and apprehending weed smokers/whatever to put a stop to the issues raised.These signs are made of flimsy plastic, quite unsuitable for permanent outdoor installation. There is a reason street and road signs are made of metal.
The one on Radnor street was placed chest high on the lowest part of the fence, exactly where someone will climb over. This cemetery is a popular shortcut, especially among people who are heavily refreshed. A drunk scrambling over a gate in the dark is unlikely to notice that the sign they are about to stand on is plastic.
A drunk, sorry, a heavily refreshed person (why not call it as it is) would probably be unlikely to scale the fence.
So, using your argument/pretext, to relieve themselves over headstones and throw up over someone's grave is acceptable?
You can make excuses if you like, but it is straight vandalism, be it accidental or otherwise.
so if it'sCooking_by_smoke_alarm

Contact the Adver web team and let them know.
They are already aware that the police have been involved over this strange behaviour

[quote][p][bold]Davey Gravey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Davey Gravey[/bold] wrote:
Don't see what the problem is. It's only a sign.[/p][/quote]Clegane playing games again. Not me making this comment.[/p][/quote]Contact the Adver web team and let them know.
They are already aware that the police have been involved over this strange behaviourOllie Dognacky